India, Sept. 20 -- If India's intention was to come away from Friday's encounter with most, if not all, boxes ticked, then they can't say with any conviction that they achieved that objective. Oman embarrassed them and exposed chinks that hitherto appeared non-existent. It is true that in that endeavour, they were encouraged by the absence of two of India's most potent wicket-taking weapons, but that should come as no consolation to the world's top-ranking T20 side that most certainly didn't play so at Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Apart from being the No. 1 outfit, India are the reigning World Cup winners; Oman occupy a modest 20th position in the ICC rankings. Jatinder Singh's team was making its 101st appearance; Hardik Pa...